Cluster headache or as it is variously known as Histamine Headache, Red Migraine or Horton's disease, is an intense, severe one sided pain centered around the eye or temple. Though the pain lasts for one to two hours on average, it may recur several times in a day. Usually it affects more men than women.

Causes of Cluster Headache Hormonal, Vascular or biochemical changes appear to induce these headaches. Other causes which can as a trigger include:

Tobacco

Alcohol

Allergens

Stress

Hypoxemia (A condition where there is decreased blood Oxygen levels in the arteries)

A medical examination includes headache details like frequency, duration, time, severity of the pain, region where it occurs and potential triggers. Careful evaluation is done to exclude other potential causes.

Treatment: Cluster Headache treatment may begin with induction therapy to control the headache cycle and thence to maintenance therapy for the long term. Persons suffering cluster headaches are also likely to experience anxiety, agitation and suicidal feelings. This kind of headache is usually a result of a trigger to the trigeminal autonomic vascular system. Alcohol, stress, glare and specific foods are known to trigger cluster headaches. Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan or Dihydroergotamine are often prescribed. Stimulating the occipital nerve might help. Corticosteroids or Dihydroergotamine may be used in the beginning. Verapamil, Lithium Carbonate, Ergotamine and Methysergide may be used for the long term treatment.

Headache

A headache in many cases can be a symptom of other underlying issues. In most cases, a headache subsides with the intake of an OTC painkiller or given adequate rest. To pinpoint the exact cause for a recurring, persistent headache, it calls for a detailed history of the patient as a starting point.

A headache is often one of the common symptoms associated with a wide range of ailments, drug interaction or change in weather to hormonal variations. The following list is not exhaustive - but only to suggest as a sample of some possible causes.

Allergic rhinitis - can cause fatigue and headache. Some drugs like alpha blockers cause side effects like drowsiness, tiredness, headache, nervousness, irritability, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, pain in the extremities. Metronidazole drug can also result in headache, nausea and vomiting if taken with alcohol.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) or Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has symptoms which include abdominal pain, headache, nervousness and irritability along with breast tenderness before menstruation. Antihistamines cause drowsiness and headache as a side effect.
Heat stroke can cause severe head ache, high fever and dry skin.

A cancer in the adrenal medulla known as Pheochromocytoma can cause high blood pressure, headache, palpitations and excessive perspiration.
Cerebral Aneurysms may cause headaches lasting for days or weeks - called as Sentinel Headaches as they are a warning to an impending rupture or Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SSH).

Migraine Headache refers to the recurrent headache on one side or both sides - often accompanied by nausea or vomiting with episodes of aversion to light.

Tension Headache - the common form of headache refers to the dull ache that may appear to exert pressure on the head.

Comparison of Tension Type Headache and Migraine Headache

Tension Headache

Migraine Headache

Interval Time for Onset to peak

Hours to days

Minutes to 1 hour

Frequency

Often daily or continuous

Rarely less than 1 per week

Location

circumferential

Temporal

Character

Aching, pressure band like

Pounding

Laterality

Usually bilateral

Always unilateral

Aura

Never present

May be present

Nausea and vomiting

Rare

Common

Duration

Often days

Usually less than 24 hr

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